One-on-One with Luenell, the ORIGINAL Bad Girl of Comedy (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

I first had the chance to interview Luenell in 2019, and it was definitely one of the highlights of the year. The talented comedian/actress has made a name for herself on the stage, on television and in film---but it is in LIFE that she really shines. In essence what you see is what you get, and her fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

Luenell has been recognized for her work literally around the world, and at the beginning of 2020 she was honored at City Hall in Los Angeles as part of the city’s Black History Month celebrations.  Even the Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped her. Luenell started her own show on Youtube called “Hey Luenell” where she has been able to talk about current events and all things going on with pop culture and the world.

In this conversation we talk about her success, her realness and the importance of being you.

Luenell, thank you so much for the time. What has that been like for you to do something that you love and to see the type of response you have gotten, especially online?

Well, it's very beautiful for me, because with all the things that can go wrong with social media, there's a lot of things that have gone right with it. The fact that I can get emails and stuff from people in Amsterdam, from people in Sweden and from people in Zimbabwe has been amazing to me. I wouldn't even think that my brand of comedy or way of thinking would translate to those other countries when in all actuality it has!

I guess like you stated it’s my realness.  I've lived long enough to see the social and moral compass of our country go straight in the toilet. And I think that the fact that I have been literally the same person since I left the streets of East Oakland in California and moved to Los Angeles and incorporated myself into Hollywood and Beverly Hills, I think that's refreshing to a lot of people. You do see people change as they climb up the ladder, but I have not. I've not been affected like [some] people are when they have access to excess, you know what I mean?

 Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Luenell, you said something I want to go back to, because I think it is an important point. There are those who have not had a quarter of the success that you've been able to have and have changed. Do you think that realness is one of the reasons you have not been affected by the spotlight like others have?

The family that I have and the friends that I have would never allow that. If they saw me slipping into a ‘Me, me, me, look at me. I'm so great’ type of category I would be quickly slapped back down to reality. So there is no chance of me ever, ever, ever, going Hollywood as they say. I'm just such a regular chick that, you know, I'll curse out an executive in a meeting just like I'll cuss out a person on the street. That’s just me.

Well, again, that goes to why people love you so much. I mentioned there are so many different platforms you’ve been on: stage, television and film. Do you find that stage is where you're the most at home?

Yes, I do. I like the immediate interaction with people. I like to see the people. I like to be able to feel the laughter. It doesn't translate as well through film and television for me, unless you're shooting a television show that has a live studio audience.

I grew up in church choir, which had that immediate response. I went into theater and did a lot of theater when I lived in Oakland and performing in San Francisco. People in LA don't even know about my theatrical chops. I just enjoy people, and I enjoy the vibe of people. I enjoy the immediate reaction of people. That's why movies are such a hard thing for me, because you get excited about it, you build a family and a relationship, then it's over. They're gone, You're gone… and the movie doesn't come out for another year. For someone who doesn't have a lot of patience like me, that's a real ball-buster.

You have also embraced the things that sometimes people run from. Right. You're not afraid to go there. I noticed even when I was prepping for this segment and you know, am thinking about not only the special but just in your, you know, in your life you've been able to kind of just go in on these things. Do you find yourself kind of capturing or keeping your power by attacking things that some people might try to use as negatives?

Well, as far as age, weight, relationships and all that, these are obvious things. It's like there's nothing more pitiful to me than somebody who tries to be younger than they are. You know, you can be hip, you can be with it, you can be knowledgeable and up on some of the terminology and the slang and the culture, but c’mon. Have some class and maturity about yourself.

I think that it's cool to talk about the obvious. If you’re chubby, then you can't erase that away. You can't embarrass that away. You can't pretend like it's not there. Address it. If you have one arm, you wouldn't come out on stage and pretend like you have two arms. You don't. We can see that. So let's talk about that. You know, I'm not sure where I got this boldness from, but I know that it has been very liberating for me to just come clean about the obvious, you know?

 I don't aim my humor for anybody that I'm not. I aim my humor towards people like me. And those are ticket buyers, movie watchers. I appreciate the love that is reciprocated, because I definitely am talking to you about all these subjects with love in my heart.

Stay connected with Luenell’s journey at her website www.heyluenell.com, Instagram at www.instagram.com/luenell and her Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/heyluenell.

Actor Preston James Hillier: Taking One Step at a Time Towards His Goals (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

It’s easy to look at where someone is now and think “I wish I was them”.  The real question to ask is are you willing to do what they did to get to where they are today? When it comes to actor Preston James Hillier* he is someone who has been on a nice climb in his career. The point to remember is that it’s been a CLIMB. Nothing has come easy.

The two of us connected in 2019, one of the biggest years of his career. He’s had the privilege to grace the screen for television and film—and there is more to come.

In this conversation we discuss the journey to where he is today, the challenges and the reward for not giving up.

What has it been like for you to see how everything you've done has led up to this year?

You know, it's a very fickle business. There's highs and lows. There's ups and downs. There’s always transitions. I think looking back at some of those times where you're the right age and the right look for a certain time, and then you have a little bit of a lull. Then you're into the next category…the dad or whatever. It's those times in between the work that really test you. As an actor in this business a lot of people don't have the tenacity. It'll break you as a human being sometimes when you're not working, and just trying to get to that next level and you keep thinking, ‘When is that time going to come?’

I think that's always the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for every actor. You’re waiting for that moment, and hoping that it's going to come. And when it starts pulling together, and when you can kind of take a step back and look at what you've done—from  where you are to where you started—you do say I guess I really have done quite a bit of stuff. At the time it doesn't seem like it. You're just constantly fighting and trying to get to that next level.

So glad you shared that. It really shows that you have to be willing to do the work. So my question would be, I guess, did you know going into this industry that it was exactly what you said:  fickle with some highs and lows?

Yeah, to an extent.  I moved out here when I was 24, and everything I ate, drank and breathed was about moving to LA and pursuing this business. Nothing was going to stop me from doing that. And as you get here and look at things your friends are doing and you look at other people's careers, you kind of get a better idea of the scope of what lies ahead. I didn’t get to the border of California and they were handing out TV shows, but you just start chipping away at little things here and there. You realize there's a lot to this. There's no such thing as overnight success.

It’s been two decades now, Preston, that you’ve been able to do work in front of the camera. That is amazing. There have been some people who have come and gone in the time that you have been in the industry. As I look at where you are and how you kept pushing, what is it that helped you to do that? What is it that you think helped you to keep going even when it seemed difficult?

It's a good question. You know, I think a lot of it is surrounding yourself with good people. You know it can be a competitive business, and I have a lot of friends that are in my categories and we go out for a lot of the same things. When you can find those people you just keep pushing each other and helping each other up the ladder. That helps immensely, because you need a good support group. Otherwise it can be really difficult. Getting a little bit of work here and there satisfies you and makes you want more. I think that those are the little things to keep you going.

Follow Preston online through Instagram at www.instagram.com/prestonhillier and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/prestonhillier.  

*     Photo by Rob Nixon

Actor/Producer Jamison Jones: Acting on Faith While Paying It Forward (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

Jamison Jones* has been able to do work that he loves on stage, television and film as well as expanded his brand as a writer, producer and acting coach. While many movies were being shuttered in 2020 due to the pandemic he also starred in the film THE WRETCHED which has gone on to be a #1 film at drive-in theaters. 

During his first visit on Conversations LIVE radio show we discussed his success and the movie. "With THE WRETCHED it's been a very strange blessing in disguise," he told me. "It's been such a joy to see people's response to the movie." (THE WRETCHED is currently available on your favorite streaming platform.)

When I asked him about the 'strange blessings' of his career and what led to where he is today Jamison offered this insight to his success. "As an actor it's always challenging to know which is the right project. You have this team around you encouraging you to do certain things or not do certain things. At the end of the day you have to follow your heart." 

Following his heart and his listening to his gut is what led Jamison to THE WRETCHED. "I loved this script when I read it," he explained. "For me it was a story about a father and a son trying to reconnect after a difficult time. It was great for me to play a character like this."

In discussing what led him to want to be involved behind the camera, Jamison says it was something he was missing from his time in the theater. "In theater you're a part of the entire creative process," he says. "I really do enjoy being a collaborator in the creative process."

Outside of pursuing his own career Jamison started the Jamison Jones Acting Studio as a way of paying it forward to the next generation. "It took me 15 years to really work and find a way to stay connected to people," he says. "It was important to me looking back at that time to help other actors coming up." Speaking of having the opportunities he told me: "It's all about the creative aspect of it. Being an actor without opportunities is like being an artist without paint. There's nothing you can do if someone doesn't give you the opportunity to do it." He does see the independent projects as a plus, with more creatives taking their career into their own hands.

Whether pursuing his own projects or helping others do the same, Jamison Jones is a perfect example of how acting on faith can lead to some amazing opportunities. 

Stay connected with Jamison on Instagram at www.instagram.com/realjamisonjones.

* Photo by Joanna DeGeneres

Chris Connell: Fulfilling 'The Promise' of His Gifts

 

by Cyrus Webb

A mutual friend introduced me to Chris Connell this year, and I can honestly say it was a powerful connection. Chris Connell is the kind of guy you want around: he's driven, focused and passionate about his work. Whether we're talking about in front of the camera as a model or actor or now with his production company helping to bring stories to life, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who is willing to give his all to what he does. 

We had a great chat on Conversations LIVE the radio show first, but with us discussing the issue of Faith in this issue of the magazine I knew he would be a great addition here, too. Enjoy the conversation. 

Chris, first of all congratulations on the amazing career you have been able to have. What has it been like for you to reflect on all you have achieved in the entertainment industry?
It’s been exceptionally rewarding when people give acknowledgment to my achievements. Truthfully, I always have my eyes set on new heights, often overlooking these accolades, rarely giving attention to the past. I’m grateful, however, to everyone who continues to support me!

Have you always known that acting or performing was something you wanted to do?
Yes, absolutely; Well, I should say since high school. I’ve been asked for a long time what inspired me. My response: “I have no idea.” I’ve always appreciated strong communication and the opportunity to share the human condition, even under imaginary circumstances. Movies just seemed like the right fit.

This issue of Conversations Magazine is all about acting on faith when it comes to pursuing your goals. What gave you the courage to go for what you wanted in your career.
I could argue that my mother instilled a belief in me that anything I wanted to achieve was possible. Simply put, I will not accept anything less than the very best of myself. When I set a goal, I hit it. When you want something bad enough, you will walk through walls for it. I guess that says that I really want to live different, and I’m confident enough to reach for it. 

I’ve noticed from following you on social media that you’ve been able to engage a lot with your followers. What has it been like for you to pick up new fans from project to project?
It’s been such a blessing. I’m confident in who I am and don’t base my worth over how many likes I get, but just like anyone, It’s nice to know you’re appreciated.

Outside of being a creative yourself and acting on stage, television and film you also have your own production company. How did you get the courage to take that step to bring stories to life through your own platform?
The career of an actor is a challenging one. You’re often at the mercy of other industry professionals when it comes to bringing you on to their opportunity. I chose to give myself the power to create my own opportunities and with a little time and experience Chris Connell Productions was born.

I found out about you, Chris, through a mutual friend . That says a lot about the relationships you have formed in your career. How important has that been for you to have people in your corner who believe in you and your abilities?
It’s critical, and to be honest, I didn’t place enough value in it early in my career. I assumed talent was enough. When you connect with like-minded people who share a similar purpose, you now have a reach positioning you for exponential growth. Social media give us a unique opportunity to make those connections and those who are wise will take advantage of this platform.

The Promise is one of the projects you’re able to promote this year. Tell our readers about it and what it’s like to have your production company bring it to life. 
It’s been truly special to watch this vision develop into a reality, this only possible by the talent and dedication of the team I’m working with. “The Promise” follows an American WWII fighter pilot who’s shot down over the South Pacific. Fighting for his life, he forges an unlikely friendship to help him uphold a promise he made to the love of his life. Making this has been purely incredible, and I appreciate the way it’s challenged me as a filmmaker.

This year has brought challenges to us all, but the entertainment industry has been hit especially hard. How have you been able to use this time to stay active and productive?
I’ve actually leveraged the opportunity. With so many other projects on hold, my team was available more than ever, and I know we all welcomed the chance to build something we’re proud of. I made the decision to never take my foot off the gas, and work within these unique circumstances.

Any advice for anyone that is interested in pursuing a career in the arts, either in front of or behind the camera?
I can respond in so many ways to this question.  If you seek this professionally, you MUST give everything to it. There’s nothing casual about this. For something so engaging, so exhilarating, it’s going to be competitive. Those who rise to its demands will give all of themselves for it and unless you feel the same it’s going to be a tough road. If it’s in you, follow the calling and be bold in your actions.

Thanks for the time, Chris. Glad we had a chance to connect. How can our audience stay connected with you and what’s to come?  
www.chriswconnell.com
Instagram: chriswconnell
Facebook: chriswconnell
chriswconnell@gmail.com

Chris Connell photo:  Dylan Patrick

The Promise post: Chris Connell Productions